Sunday 12 April 2015

“I Love to Flaunt the Fit Me,” says Ace Fashion Designer Jattinn Kochhar

There are few people in my life who inspire me and this celebrity is one of them. Not just his body of work but also the lesser known side of him that is his love for fitness. As interview this celebrity not just see a fit body but a courageous soul and indomitable spirit.

 He launched his label at the age of nineteen in the year 1991, without any formal training in fashion and ever since there is no looking back. A book can be written on his accomplishments. Born with an extra dosage of creativity, his ability to amalgamate his soulful Indian heritage with true urban influences has been the foundation of his design ideology. Minimalist simplicity with absolutely clean and fuss free lines has been the hallmark of his creations. In conversation with Ace Indian Fashion Designer the very fit Jattinn Kochhar who has overcome all health issues and emerged a winner.


 Bhumicka Singh: When did you start your fitness journey? 

 Jattinn Kochhar: As a child I was not obese or fat. I am from Delhi and eating is a way of life here. I love food. My schooling was in Mumbai and I moved back to Delhi after college. At 19 or 20 everyone is naturally fit. So was I, with 8-10% body fat and wanted to be a gymnast. I was always hooked onto fitness. I ate a little bit of everything. Being wrapped up with work was busy travelling round the world. At 27, I got married and even busier … and fitness took a back seat. made a trip to Tokyo and just a few days before was to about to fly backhad a slip disc. The severity of it was such that couldn’t stand or move and people who had to come looking for me found me missing. Just getting to the door was an ordeal as I was in excruciating pain. After that incident, I began my treatment. I was unfit, so I decided to take action. As I was being treated, I got into Naturopathy and lost 10 kg in 3 months. My wife Gunjan is a Kundaini yoga teacher and played a major role in my journey to fitness. I do not do much yoga now as I prefer going to the gym. 


BS: Tell us a bit about your current diet and training. 
JK: There lies a park on my way to the gym. It is my daily routine to walk through that beautiful park and get to the gym. Sometimes, I like to sit in the park, embrace nature, watch the school kids play and have fun. I love being around the kids. It is so refreshing to watch a 2-year-old kid feed her grandmother as the child has the adult totally wrapped around her fingers. Moments like these are rare and food for soul. I am a fitness enthusiast and researched on every aspect of fitness. Nutrition plays a very important role for me. I mostly eat food at home even if I have to go attend a night party or I am working on a show, I eat my dinner at home and then head out. Im very particular about the right kind of foods. 

Iundergoing Naturopathy, which means that I do not consume dairy, white rice, maida, sugar and meat. I do not consume alcohol, so that works in my favour as well. I have knocked off 10 kgs and the sheer happiness when I saw my abs in the gym got me motivated. The credit goes to my wife and naturopathy for giving me a new life. 
 
As for workout, I walk across the park from home get to the gym and do circuit training for 6 body parts, 14 / 12 reps, 4 sets each, along with yoga and some ab exercises. also do a lot of cardio. I dont want to be the brawny body builder. I like a lean and fit physique. 


BS: You are one of the biggest fashion designers India has produced. What is your fashion statement in the gym? 

JK: The winters in Delhi can be brutal. In winter, I like to don a pair of cozy track pants, a full-sleeve T-shirt and a jacket minus the thermals. Walking is my warm up, so as I get to the gym, I lose the jacket. In summers, its singlet and shorts. I experiment a lot with shoes as my back is very sensitive. I always see comfort first. 

BS: What foods do you like to indulge in? 

I love food and I do not deprive myself of anything. My food in quality is always superior and I do not indulge in junk and do not like maida or pizzas. I love laddoos and I eat chhola bhaturas at home. I love street food as well. Earlier, I was a cheese and yoghurt person.  

BS: Who do you think are some of the fittest people in the fashion industry? 

JK: Sumit Verma and Ashmita Marwa – both Indian fashion designers! 

BS: What inspires you to stay fit? 

JK: Seeing myself in the mirror inspires me. I40, my son is 12 years old and as tall as me. I love to flaunt myself and my fitness. I inspire people of my age group. I feel like a new person with fitness. Everybody around me sees this and compliments me on being fit. Even though I love being my age, I am no uncle personality. People younger than me are also inspired. Recently, I went for a class reunion and I never went back there as my age group people were struggling with weight issues and compiled a whole list of excuses on how they cannot be fit. Also my work environment – surrounded by 20-year-olds, who are models and are fit – motivates me a lot. 

BS: Any fitness tips for our readers? 

JK: Eating the right food at the right time is the key. Make sure you have your dinner by 7:30 – 8:00 PMYou must have vegetables with every meal and your rice is organic brown. White rice is no good. And go easy on the salt. 

BS: Would you like to say a word or 2 about me ?


I have to say this: Bhumicka, you’re playing a commendable role in spreading awareness about fitness and nutrition. Keep up the great work and never leave without a smile. That’s the secret tip to look great!